Hotel de France

Of course, so far there isn't an actual time machine. But the Hotel de France, while only 20+ years old captures much of the spirit of its old coaching inn heritage. It brings back fond memories of our many trips in this country over 50 years. We oldsters have a tendency to remember many good things that are gone and perhaps brush over some aspects that were less ideal. Still, standards of service have slipped everywhere and you don't see the large core of professional hospitality staff that used to be the norm. For a three star hotel, they provide excellent value. The courtyard restaurant is lovely and thick glass everywhere shields you from the almost constant truck traffic on the busy street outside. Our bed/mattress wsa firm and large, perhaps the best on our 5 week trip, including stays at 4 and 5 star hotels. Bathroom lighting was excellent, a rather rare phenomena. We happened to stay in a very large room. The furniture and amenities were of good quality and the view in the back quite peaceful. The only English channel television station provided was DW, rather odd. I know it costs more to have BBC, CNN, etc. At least, with wifi we could access news on our laptop. You can just feel that this hotel is run by people who enjoy what they do, are very good at it and have a special talent for making their guests feel at home. The garage,a cross the street, provides secure parking. Unlike many places we have been, the spaces are of decent size too..

I stayed there for just one night on my way to the Pyrenees. A typical classic French very good 3* hotel that offered anything needed after a long kourney. My room was ok, a bit spartanic but the bed comfortable and a spacious bathroom. Pretty calm setting. Ther restaurant though deserves special mentioning and I encourage everyone to enjoy fine dining there. My 3 course dinner offered the best of traditional french cusisine in a modern way accompanied by various amuse-bouches and mignardises. Very good wine selection also in half bottles.

We ordered the menu at 39 euros per person (which we did reserve a table in advance. Our waiter was very helpful and friendly. A glass of wine and a 50cl caraf of rosé wine, a Badoit sparkling water were ordered too. The bill came to about 64 euros.